Improvement in key-hole guards



FERDINAND LENNY.

Improvement 1n Key-hole Guards.

Patented Oct. 10, 1871.

UNrrE STATES FERDINAND JENNY, OF PARKERSB'URGH, WEST VIRGINIA.

IMPROVEMENT iN KEY-HOLE GUARDS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 119,851, dated October 10, 1871.

To all whom fit lmay concern:

Be it known that I, FERDINAND JENNY, of Parkersburgh, in the county of Wood and State of West Virginia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Permutation Key-Hole Protectors; and l do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description there of, reference being had to the accompanying drawing and to the letters of reference marked thereon which form a part of this speciiication.

The nature of my invention consists in the construction and arrangement of a combination key-hole protector, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth in the claims.

In order to enable others skilled in the art to which my invention appertains to make and use the same, I will now proceed to describe its construction and operation, referring to the annexed drawing, in which- Figure l represents an ordinary door-lock. Fig. 2 is a side view of the key-hole protector. Fig. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal vertical section of the same. Fig. 4 is an end view thereof with the head removed. Fig. 5 is a side view of the head. Fig. 6 represents the key, and Fig. 7 the spring within the protector.

A represents a tube of suitable length, provided at one end with four stationary disks, a a., between which are arranged three movable disks, b b. rI he movable disks b b have upon their edges the ten figures marked at regular intervals, as shown partially in Fig. 2. These disks are also of a little larger diameter than the stationary disks c c, so that they can be turned with ease aroimd the tube which forms the axle for the same. All the disks have a slot cut in them on one side corresponding with an elongated slot in the tube A. The disks b b being movable, it, of course, follows that it is only when they are set at a certain point or known gures tha-t a continuous opening is formed through the disks. When either or all of the movable disks is turned otherwise the slot is cut on. B reprepresents a flange of metal extending' on the under side oi' the tube inward from the inner disk c to iit in the key-hole in that portion designed for the wards of the key. C represents the head of the key-hole protector, provided with a shank, D, from one vside of which project three lugs, d d, of

the same thickness as the movable disks, while the spaces between said lugs are the same width as the stationary disks. The movable disks being turned, as above mentioned, so as to form an unbroken opening, the shank D can be inserted, and then said disks are turned, which locks the shank and keeps the head in its place, closing the keyhole protector. At the other end of the tube A on the sides are slots, through each of which project three lugs, c e, formed upon a spring, j'. The two springs fj' extend up into the tube A, and are connected to a pin passing through the same. E represents a slotted key used to compress the springs ff so as to draw the lugs c c within the tube A. The head C with its shank D being withdrawn, and the key inserted into the tube A, the tube is inserted in the key-hole ofthe lock desired to be protected. By now withdrawing the key E the springs fj' separate so that some one of the lugs con each side will catch on the lock-plate on the inside, and prevent the withdrawal oi' the protector. The head C is now placed in its position and locked, as above described, when it cannot be removed except by somebody who knows the combination of igures. There being' three movable disks, each with ten numbers, it follows that nine hundred and ninety-nine key-hole protectors may be made with different combinations, and by adding more disks an unlimited number may be made, and no two with the same combination. Hence a person knowing the combination of one cannot possibly open another.

It is, ofcourse, not expected that these keyhole protectors should be employed when any long absence is contemplated, because, if time enough were given, anybody might try all the different combinations, and in the end find the right one; but for a short absence they are a perfect safeguard from burglars.

The number or combination for each it is contemplated to engrave or otherwise mark upon theside of the tube A or iiange B.

rlhe springs ff may be made in one piece, as shown in Fig. 7, and bent around or attached to one or more pins within the tube.

It will be noticed that even if the combination should be sawed ofi', still the protector cannot be moved in either direction without the key E, be-

cause the lugs e e catch on both sides of the loek plate.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is l. The slotted tube A, provided at its outer end with movable disks b b, iiange B, and on the inner side with the springs f j', said springs having one or more lugs near their outerend, 1'tnd all arranged to operate substantially as set orth.

2. In combination with the above. the slotted key E, for the purpose set forth.

3. In combination with the slotted tube A, as

Witnesses.

' Witnesses: FERDINAND JENNY.

T. H. AEXANDER, P. KORN. (93) 

